Sheldon is a unique and distinctive name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly after the character Sheldon Cooper became well-known through the popular television show "The Big Bang Theory." However, the name predates the show by many centuries.
The name Sheldon is derived from the Old English word 'scylfena' or 'scielden,' which means 'little shield.' This name was originally used as a surname and was given to individuals who worked as shield-makers or were of a shield-like shape. Over time, Sheldon evolved from being a occupational surname to a given name.
One of the earliest known records of the name Sheldon is in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as a place name in Yorkshire, England. The village of Sheldon is believed to have taken its name from a man called Sceild who owned land there during the Anglo-Saxon period.
The name Sheldon began to be used as a given name in the 19th century, with the first recorded use in the United States being in the late 1800s. Today, Sheldon is considered a unisex name, although it is still more commonly associated with males.
Despite its historical roots and unique meaning, Sheldon remains a relatively uncommon name compared to many other popular choices today. However, those who bear this name are often drawn to its distinctive sound and meaningful origin. Whether you're a fan of "The Big Bang Theory" or simply appreciate the history behind this name, Sheldon is sure to make an impression as a unique and memorable choice.
The name Sheldon has a varied history of popularity among parents in the United States over the past century. From the 1930s to the early 1960s, there were fewer than ten births each year with this name. However, starting in the mid-1960s, we began to see an increase in popularity for Sheldon.
In 1965, there were fourteen births named Sheldon, a significant jump from previous years. This trend continued throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, with around nine to seventeen births each year.
The name Sheldon reached its peak popularity in the United States during the mid-1990s. Between 1994 and 1998, there were between fourteen and twenty-four births each year with this name. This demonstrates that Sheldon was quite popular among parents during this time period.
However, since then, the popularity of the name Sheldon has declined somewhat. In the early 2000s, there were typically around eight to ten births each year named Sheldon.
In total, over the past ninety years, there have been approximately four hundred and ninety-six babies born in the United States with the name Sheldon. While it is not one of the most popular names in history, Sheldon has certainly had its moments of popularity throughout recent decades.